Azkals advance to Challenge Cup finals

THE Philippine Azkals bit hard with their backs against the wall, taming the Bangladesh Bengal Tigers in the form of a 3-0 victory on Friday, March 25, in the Challenge Cup group stage at the Aung San Stadium in Rangoon, Myanmar.

Filipino-Spanish striker Angel Aldeguer Guirado scored two goals while Ian Araneta picked up the first goal for the Azkals, who advanced to the Challenge Cup finals slated next year.

Araneta picked up a loose ball and converted it into a goal on the 41st minute to set the tone for the rout.

Guirado put the game away, scoring off an assist from Araneta early in the second half and delivering a 20-yard goal on the 80th minute.

The win catapulted the Azkals into second place on their bracket with one win, two draws and a total of five points. A loss or even a draw would have eliminated them in the chase for the Challenge Cup title.

Palestine defeated Myanmar, 3-1, to top the bracket with two wins, one draw and a total of seven points. Noli Cruz